AllyG
04-13-2005, 09:57 AM
I was wondering if anyone didnt go on to meds straight away and if so what are the pros and cons? I went on immediately but had quite a severe relapse beforehand. My cousin has just been diagnosed but had a very mild attack. His neuro isnt putting him on anything for the foreseeable future - wants to see how he does without it! We both think this is a bit risky but my cuz isnt sure if the doctor is doing whats best so doesnt want to push it. Any advice mucha appreciated.
Thanks all, this is a great site, very informative and supportive.
Arlene :confused:
Thanks all, this is a great site, very informative and supportive.
Arlene :confused:
Sponsor
baddoey
04-13-2005, 10:16 AM
from what I've researched and read ( as far as medication goes ) is the sooner the better. My symptoms are v. mild but I am starting copaxone next week. But really who knows? that is how I feel lately, that MS is a total luck game. I'm going to go on the meds for a little over a year and see how I feel - at that point I might want to consider getting preg. . but as I said I know what I am doing for the next year at least.
sunshine149
04-13-2005, 11:25 AM
I've read the research too and it's impossible to know what would happen if something started meds right away or waited. I've had MS for over 8 years and I've made the decision not to take the meds. They seem too risky to me.
Kahlia25
04-13-2005, 12:32 PM
I agree with Sunshine-have had MS 9 years and was on Beta Seron...felt very bad. I have gone off it in the last two months and do notice a heavy feeling in my legs if I get overly tired. I don't know if I would have went on meds right away if they had them back then. I ws too scared at the time and let my very good neurologist make the decisoins......Kahlia
thnkpos
04-13-2005, 12:39 PM
ally, what did u'r cuz's mild attack entail?................ i just got the inside ms magazine, and the article about progression in ms over a ten yr period, if the disease would progress further (from the Mayo clinic study) the answer was yes it would stay a mild course (if after the ten yrs) but then at the bottom, its says ms recommends inititating therapy as soon as possible,*so go figure* lol
i have v mild (knock on wood) at this point since 92 (figuring that was my first mild attack) then 7 yrs, then 7 yrs, with mild attacks.......
now does anyone know what "they" consider progression?????
the ms specialist said i have benign, but my neuro said its not benign cause i do have more lesions then 92, but no disability (so is this progression)?........... obviously the ms specialist didnt think so.... cause my neuro check was 100% normal
so can u still be mild with more lesions showing up?? what really is progression?
anyone?
im going to start on avonex (reg nuro recom), but im scared, y should i take something thats going to make me sick for a day or two when i feel good now (besides being stressed over what med to choose) so then do i choose copaxone instead??????
its so confusing........... !!!!!!!!!!
i have v mild (knock on wood) at this point since 92 (figuring that was my first mild attack) then 7 yrs, then 7 yrs, with mild attacks.......
now does anyone know what "they" consider progression?????
the ms specialist said i have benign, but my neuro said its not benign cause i do have more lesions then 92, but no disability (so is this progression)?........... obviously the ms specialist didnt think so.... cause my neuro check was 100% normal
so can u still be mild with more lesions showing up?? what really is progression?
anyone?
im going to start on avonex (reg nuro recom), but im scared, y should i take something thats going to make me sick for a day or two when i feel good now (besides being stressed over what med to choose) so then do i choose copaxone instead??????
its so confusing........... !!!!!!!!!!
Dawn36
04-13-2005, 04:55 PM
I had symptoms for 5 years before being diagnosed, and I waited another TEN years before going on Copaxone, partly becus they didn't have Copaxone when i 1st had symptoms. I have always had mild symtpoms, both BEFORE i went on Copaxone and AFTER i went on Copaxone. (I've been on it now for 5 years.)
So, my conclusion? It's impossible to say if i would have continued to have mild MS if I hadn't gone on the meds, but of course all the research shows MS is a progressive disease. Why take chances with your health? I would suggest your friend consult another neuro for a 2nd opinion. All the doctors I've seen would put you on the meds right away.
So, my conclusion? It's impossible to say if i would have continued to have mild MS if I hadn't gone on the meds, but of course all the research shows MS is a progressive disease. Why take chances with your health? I would suggest your friend consult another neuro for a 2nd opinion. All the doctors I've seen would put you on the meds right away.
thnkpos
04-13-2005, 08:24 PM
dawn36, do u brain and spinal lesions?
thanks
thanks
AllyG
04-14-2005, 09:12 AM
My cousin was diagnosed after having blurred vision for awhile and kind of itchy skin/tingly. He never even thought of MS but since theres a few in the family we told him to let the doc know. I spoke to him yesterday and since hes just started a new job I advised him to wait til next neuro appt in July before deciding what to do. I doubt a couple of months will make much difference. Hes having a hard time dealing with diagnosis so maybe he should get used to having MS first before starting to inject himself etc.
On the other hand I'd hate his symptoms to get worse and for him to think being on medication could have prevented it. Who knows what to advise - its fairly new to me too so I understand but Im usually a firm believer in taking whatever help you can.
Also hes worried that the neuro might be holding out on meds because of the cost!! Does anyone know how it works in England - I'm in ROI and receive it for free, I never thought the cost might affect getting it, does it?
On the other hand I'd hate his symptoms to get worse and for him to think being on medication could have prevented it. Who knows what to advise - its fairly new to me too so I understand but Im usually a firm believer in taking whatever help you can.
Also hes worried that the neuro might be holding out on meds because of the cost!! Does anyone know how it works in England - I'm in ROI and receive it for free, I never thought the cost might affect getting it, does it?